Sayulita has an overpopulation of cats and dogs leading to needless animal suffering, damage to eco-systems and unhealthy conditions causing pollution and disease. For this reason, ten years ago a small group of animal lovers who called themselves "Patas" was formed in Sayulita by Upi Viteri. By going door-to-door they would pay people to have their pets spayed/neutered.

Unfortunately, the sterilization of around 110 animals per year is not nearly enough. With the animals' reproductive rates, the local breeding for fights and profits, as well as an increase in abandoned pets in Sayulita, the clinics are barely scratching the surface of the problem. Not to mention that many of the street animals cannot undergo surgery due to their horrible health conditions.

Patas would also handout bags of dog and cat food to the locals while educating them about pet's needs. Now you can find pet food sold in most stores in Sayulita and overall there's a better understanding of proper pet care. However, even with this increased awareness, there is more education that needs to take place.

In our community you can still find bags with meat marinated in rat poison, animals scalded with hot water and chemicals, kittens thrown in the river trapped in bags, puppies in the garbage or tied to trees left to die in the jungle. This is how some are choosing to deal with the overpopulation problem. We want to help by providing the community with an option and information.

Patas has grown alongside our town and is now called "Sayulitanimals". We are taking animal welfare to the next level by expanding and creating community services and programs to further contribute to this worthy cause.

Please join in our mission to help Sayulita become a healthier, cleaner town free from animal cruelty. Whether you are a Sayulita vacationer, resident, investor or an animal lover we need to gather as a community to help improve the quality of life for all.

http://www.sayulitanimals.org